Thank you so much, Chair. I want to thank all the people who are here today testifying on this very important issue of caregivers and the important role they play in supporting veterans.
We've heard from other witnesses about the challenges that caregivers are facing in accessing resources and the harm to the veteran if the appropriate resources are not put in place for the family.
I'm wondering if I could start with either Ms. Malette or Ms. McLeod, one of you or both of you. I'm curious about what kinds of efforts around supporting the caregivers you see with the people you serve. Where are the blocks and the challenges that families and caregivers are facing in accessing supports from VAC? We've heard from several witnesses that this is often one of the biggest challenges.
Ms. McLeod, I think you told a very good story—a horrifying story, really—about what happens to families and to veterans when a caregiver's health has severe challenges.
Could you talk about what those blocks are and what you see as the impact on the family directly when VAC isn't able to assist not only the veteran but the caregiver of the veteran?